Group Water Schemes

Pipe work on Poles G.W.S. is almost complete and reservoir construction is at the planning stage. This part private scheme will supply approximately 500 houses as an extension of the Cavan Urban Supply. A proposed extension to Drumkeery G.W.S. is at the tender stage. Phase six of the upgrade on Annagh G.W.S. is almost completed. This contract includes the scheme to Roskeeragh, Belturbet, as well as network improvement. As part of a continuing commitment to provide a quality drinking water supply to their consumers, Annagh G.W.S. and Clifferna G.W.S. invested in the Colilert Laboratory  equipment for monitoring coliforms and E. Coli. Annagh has now become the first scheme in county Cavan to begin implementing the Nat. Fed. Group Water Scheme Quality Assurance system following a brief introductory course. An upgrade of Clifferna G.W.S. was been completed  by Conwell Contracts Ltd. This included an extension of the scheme to serve 30 additional houses as well as valve replacement on the original network. The extension of Dhuish G.W.S. supply into Shercock town is now underway. This will supplement the public supply when needed. Network rehabilitation on Corlough G.W.S. began in recent weeks, while the contract to extend the Belturbet public water supply to Portruan G.W.S. has been completed. As part of its continuing efforts to reduce U.F.W., Erne Valley G.W.S. will be undertaking major network rehabilitation in 2008. This contract is valued at approximately §1 million. Erne Valley G.W.S. has made a submission for additional plant equipment to cope with the problems caused by algae blooms in their lake source. Employers representative to the East Cavan DBO Bundle (T.J. O'Connor and Associates) received a program of works in relation to outstanding design build (DB) items. This includes completion of reservoir refurbishment works and their take-over by Veolia. DBO contractor, EPS is waiting an increased discharge license for the Milltown scheme prior to installing reverses osmosis equipment in the treatment plant. This is designed to deal with sulphur in the ground water supply. EPS plans to clean out all the reservoirs in the West Cavan Bundle shortly.

Sponsored Walk

The sponsored walk on St. Stephen's Day from Gowna to Arva was an outstanding success. Organised by local publican, Liam McElhinney, the total proceeds of the venture yielded §2,800 which was in aid of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin.

Credit Union

The Credit Union offices will be open for business on Saturday, 2nd January from 6.30 p.m. to 7.45 p.m.

At the Holy Family Church

The church was packed to capacity at the Mass on Christmas Eve and there was also a huge congregation again on Christmas Day. The First Friday Mass on 4th January will be celebrated at 7 p.m. and is for Raymond Martin, Lisorty. Mass on Sunday, 6th January is at 11 a.m. for James Madden. Fr. P.J. Fitzpatrick, P.P. wishes to return sincere thanks to all those people who helped out in many and varied ways in the parish throughout the year.

Meeting Re-arranged

The annual meeting of St. Columba's G.F.C. Mullinalaghta which was scheduled to take place on Saturday next, 5th January has been re-arranged to Sunday, 6th January in St. Columba's Community Centre at 2.30. Nomination papers have bveen sent out and it is imperative that the completed forms are returned to the chairman, secretary, treasurer or PRO.

Death of former Colmcille Player

Mel Murtagh, Deanscur-ragh, Longford, who died on 14th December was a native of Aughamore Upper, Aughna-cliffe. Mel was a popular and highly esteemed member of the teaching profession from the time of his first appointment in Glenstal Abbey, Co. Limerick then from September 1958 until 1962 he taught Latin, Greek and Maths in the Old Latin School in Moyne. He became a member of the staff of St. Mel's College in 1962 and was vice principal when he retired some years ago. Both he and his brother Tom, now living in Ferbane, were members of the Colmcille team which won the senior championship in 1958 defeating Drumlish by 1-4 to 1-2. On that occasion he figured at left back while Tom was centre half back.

 His remains were received at St. Mel's Cathedral where after Mass of the Ressurection he was laid to rest in Ballymacormack cemetery. Among the huge crowds present at both the removal and funeral were guards of honour from St. Mel's College and Colmcille G.A.A. Club. Sympathy is extended to his wife Nan, sons Frank and Colm, daughters Blathnaid, Grainne and Aoife, brother Tom and sister Sister Calasanctius and grandchildren.

St. Vincent de Paul

The church gate collections at Legga and Moyne amounted to §1,178.87. The St. Vincent de Paul Society wish to thank the people of Dromard parish for their generous support.

Recent Engagement

Greetings to Anne Marie Reilly, daughter of Benny and Theresa Reilly, Kiltycon, Moyne and Paul Horan, son of Margaret and the late Paddy Horan, Drumlish, who announced their engagement over the Christmas period.

Died in Wexford

The death occurred at her residence of Mrs. Dympna Casey, wife of Tom Casey, Windgap Rocks, Shelmaliere Commons, Wedford. Formerly Dympna McDermot, Lisnagroagh, Manorhamilton, she was a first cousin of this correspondent and a nurse by profession. Her husband Tom was a native of Newtowncashel and taught for some years in Ballymahon and then from 1974 to 1976 was career guidance teacher in Moyne C.S. before taking up a similar appointment with the County Wexford Vocational Committee. He was captain of the St. Mel's College team which won the All-Ireland Colleges title for the first time in 1948. Mrs. Casey's remains were taken for burial on Saturday, 22nd December to Saint's Island cemetery, Newtowncashel, where Tom's brother, Fr. Bernard Casey (Phillippine Islands) officiated at the graveside. Sympathy is tendered to her husband Tom, sons John, Bernard and Joe, daughters Mary, Collette, Anne, Pauline and Paloma, sisters Mrs. Patricia Byrne, Lisnagroagh, Manorhamilton; Mrs. Shelia Maguire, Blacklion; Mrs. Grace Pollard, Dublin; Mrs. Bernadette Moriarity, Dublin; Mrs. Anne Syed, Washingtonn U.S.A. and Sister Anita McDermot, Convent of Mercy, Boyle.

Latin School Re-union

All past pupils please note that the re-union takes place on 4th, 5th and 6th July, Bishop Colm O'Reilly will be the chief celebrant of the Mass in St. Mary's Church, Moyne, on Saturday evening, 5th July. The organisers email is moynelatin@hotmail.com if further information is required.

Pilgrimages

Pilgrimages to Medjugorje, Easter Sunday 23rd March. Spiritual Director Fr. Johnny Cusack. 30th. May Fr. Loughlin Carlen, 26th. September with Fr. Paul Casey. Lourdes and Garabandal for the 150th. Anniversary 9th. to 15th. April.  Spiritual Director Fr. Kevin Smith. Holy Land 3rd to 11th. November. Fr Dan Sheridan. Booking Anna 049-4336291 or 087 2509960.